Food bank still collecting goods for victims and firefighters in Bastrop

Sept. 14, 2011 at 4:14 a.m.

The Food Bank of the Golden Crescent continues to collect donations for the fire victims in the Bastrop area.

Disaster relief organizers are asking donors to not donate clothes, shoes and toys at this time because the residents do not have a place to store the goods, said Dennis Brown, food bank executive director.

The food bank took one large truckload of goods to the receiving area in Austin last week and expects to take another load late this week or early next week.

Brown added that while there, they were asked to take some goods to Bastrop for distribution.

Donations can be dropped off at the food bank, 3809 E. Rio Grande St., or any of the five Victoria Fire Department stations.

Items needed for the relief effort include bottled water; sports drinks like Gatorade; coffee; tea; paper goods like toilet paper, paper towels, napkins and Kleenex tissue; household items such as cleaning supplies and air fresheners; can goods such as vegetables, soups, beef stew; and frozen foods such as meat, poultry and TV dinners.

Donations may also be dropped off at Kamin Furniture, 5909 Northeast Zac Lentz Parkway and Victoria College's Allied Health and Public Services building, 2200 E. Red River St.

The Eagles Lodge in Port Lavaca, led by Chaplain Debra Leigh, is collecting bottled water, nonperishable food items, hygienic items, baby formula and diapers, blankets and clothing. Drop-offs can be made at the lounge at state Highway 35 South. Call 361-482-7586 for more information.

Tammy Brasher, owner of Harley's Restaurant, Harley's Liquor, and Yoakum Pawn and Jewelry, is accepting pillows, blankets, bottled water, nonperishable food items and toiletries. Donations can be made at the business locations or to the Yoakum Chamber of Commerce at 105 Huck St. For more information, call Brasher at 361-798-0056.

First Baptist Church of Gonzales is accepting donations including blood pressure cuffs, diabetic supplies, diapers, baby food, nonperishable food, clothing (including underwear), toiletries trash bags, bottled water and gift cards to Walmart or H-E-B. Donations can be made at the church, 422 Saint Paul St. For more information, call 830-672-9595.